Criminals Target e-Cigarettes from Convenience Stores
Convenience stores are common targets for criminals. However, recently, they have been targeting them for an additional reason: to steal e-cigarettes. With e-cigarettes and vape pens increasing in popularity, especially among young people, these items are frequently sought out by smash and grab robbers.
While e-cigarettes are most commonly-used as an alternative to smoking tobacco cigarettes, they are also often used for marijuana. This fact increases their value on the street and makes it much more likely that criminals will attempt to steal them. Plus, since they are quite small, they can easily be carried away from the scene of a crime and it’s difficult to detect when someone is carrying several of them, which makes it tough for police to spot the criminals.
Also, in some regions, there are fewer regulations around e-cigarettes than there are for traditional cigarettes. This means that some stores that do not sell typical tobacco products may sell e-cigarettes. Therefore, it’s important to secure them and keep criminals from stealing them.
Protecting e-Cigarettes from Smash and Grab Robbers
A smash and grab robbery is exactly what it sounds like. Criminals break into a property by smashing through doors and windows. In these crimes, criminals work quickly. Many smash and grab robberies are over in just a few minutes. Some take only seconds. The reason why is that criminals know many properties have alarm systems installed that are designed to contact the police or security guards as soon as a crime occurs. However, they also know that it takes time for the authorities to arrive. Criminals take advantage of this and leave the scene of the crime (with your valuable merchandise) before the police arrive.
Surveillance cameras, unfortunately, do not deter smash and grab criminals either. There are many times where security cameras capture video of criminals breaking into properties, stealing items, and leaving. In some cases, the criminals cover their faces with hoods or scarves, but in others they do not seem concerned about showing their faces on video at all.
Unfortunately, while surveillance cameras provide footage that may be useful to back up insurance claims, it’s often quite difficult to use this footage to find and arrest a criminal.
So how do you protect your convenience store from criminals who want to steal e-cigarettes and other assets? One of the best ways is by using physical security tools.
The Benefits of Physical Security
Physical security works because it puts a strong visible barrier between criminals and your assets. Security gates on windows and doors prevent smash and grab robberies and keep criminals out of your property. Locking assets (such as e-cigarettes) inside locked cabinets or behind gates inside your store gives you an added layer of protection.
If a criminal does manage to gain access to your property, they still won’t be able to steal the e-cigarettes or other items they’re looking for if they’re locked away. Not only do locked cabinets protect against smash and grab robbers, but they keep shoplifters from being able to steal your merchandise as well.
